The Repair-or-Replace Decision
When business hardware fails, the immediate question is: fix it or buy new? The right answer depends on several factors — and making the wrong choice can cost you more in the long run.
When to Repair
- The device is under 3 years old — modern business-grade hardware is designed to last 4–5 years
- The repair cost is under 30% of replacement — a good rule of thumb for desktops and servers
- The failure is a single component — replacing a failed PSU, RAM stick, or hard drive is straightforward and cost-effective
- The rest of the system is in good condition — no signs of overheating, capacitor swelling, or other degradation
- Downtime sensitivity — repairs can often be done same-day, while sourcing and configuring new hardware takes longer
When to Replace
- The device is over 5 years old — you're likely dealing with outdated components, security vulnerabilities, and poor performance
- Multiple components have failed — if the motherboard and PSU are both dead, replacement is usually cheaper
- Repair costs exceed 50% of replacement — especially for laptops where parts and labour are expensive
- The device no longer meets performance needs — don't spend money fixing something that's already too slow for your team
- Warranty has expired and the device is critical — business-critical hardware should always be under warranty or support contract
The Middle Ground: Upgrading During Repair
Sometimes the best option is to repair and upgrade. If you're opening up a desktop to replace a failed hard drive, why not upgrade to an SSD at the same time? If a server needs a new PSU, consider adding more RAM while you're in there. CT Bedfordview can advise on cost-effective upgrades during any repair.
Got a hardware issue? Contact CT Bedfordview for fast diagnostics and honest advice.